Jumbo--Not just an Elephant Mr. Defence Minister

Wing Commander Jumbo Majumdar (WW II veteran ) getting the prestigious flying cross

World War II veteran Wing Commander Jumbo Majumdar's Flying cross and other prestigious medals had become a bone of contention between the IAF and the Ministry of Defence when the latter refused to shell out INR 28 lakhs to retrieve the medals from UK based auction house Morton and Eden.

The IAF will be using internal funds and has decided to give Jumbo his due share of respect by putting his DFC and other belongings on display at the AFM.

Of course Mr. Defence Minister these medals are national treasure and we fail to understand the rationale behind such a move. You Mr. Minister have all the time to travel in private guarded jets , talk about creating terrorists to deal with terrorist and ignore the human face of the men who guard our skies , homeland territory and our waters.

Jumbo's son Sailen has said that he also has the crucifix that his paternal grandmother Jonaki Agnes Penelope Majumdar (nee Bonnerjee) had made from the metal of the ill-fated Hurricane that Jumbo crashed in. 

There is also a note book in which Jumbo had written very personal and philosophical comments about his role in World War 2. 

I quite agree with Sailen when he says these treasures should not be binned or left in the drawers till eternity. 21 gun salute to you Mr. Defence Minister for giving such a heroic welcome to the father of modern Indian Air Force."Jumbo's contribution during the Second World War both in Burma and in the Normandy Campaigns has been acknowledged in professional circles. He was the first and the only IAF pilot to be awarded DFC and Bar. Having understood the importance of Air Power at a very early age, he worked relentlessly to build a strong Air Force for India. Jumbo led from the front by personal example and worked relentlessly to lay the foundation of the IAF. His spirit shall live as long as there are young men to take up the challenge of his legacy, and the trail of glory shall be remembered and cherished by the IAF forever."- The Indian Air Force in a statement made to a private news channel 

Not the first time. Certainly not the last. The museums too are the babies of the officers in-charge.whims and fancies...and service to the nation.

National Shame.